GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2008 🢒 Cobalt 🢒 Bulletins 🢒 EI07280 - Key Cannot be Removed from Ignition with Transaxle Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot be Moved from Park Position (Engineering Information)

EI07280 - Key Cannot be Removed from Ignition with Transaxle Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot be Moved from Park Position (Engineering Information)

Subject:EI07280 -- Key Cannot be Removed from Ignition with Transaxle Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot Be Moved From Park Position (Engineering Information)

Models:2007-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
Built After 10/01/06
2007-2008 Chevrolet HHR
Built After 09/25/06
with Automatic Transmission

Attention: Proceed with this bulletin ONLY if the customer has commented about this concern AND the EI number is listed in GMVIS. If the customer has not commented about this condition or the EI does not show in GMVIS, disregard the bulletin and proceed with diagnostics found in published service information. THIS IS NOT A RECALL - refer to Service Bulletin 04-00-89-053A for more details on the use of Engineering Information bulletins.

Condition

Some customers may comment on either of the following conditions:

   • 

the key cannot be removed from the ignition.

   • 

the transmission gear selector (shifter) cannot be moved out of the PARK position.

Cause

DO NOT REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.

GM Engineering is attempting to determine the cause of not being able to remove the key from the ignition and/or the inability to move the transmission gear selector from the PARK position. Analysis of the shifter assemblies returned through the Warranty Parts Center show NTF (No Trouble Found). Therefore, GM has a need to obtain information from the technician during diagnosis and PRIOR to repair. This information will be used by engineering to root cause the condition and develop/validate a field fix.

Complete the steps listed in the appropriate section, based on the condition. Note all information on the repair order:

Key Cannot Be Removed From Ignition:

  1. Is the vehicle currently exhibiting this condition?
    2. • Yes -- proceed to Step 2.
    • No -- proceed to Step 17.
  2. Verify the VIN and mileage recorded on the repair order is accurate.
  3. Does the key rotate freely in the ignition?
  4. Does the key return to the OFF position?
  5. Is the lock cylinder damaged or loose?
    6. • Yes -- proceed to Step 17.
    • No -- proceed to Step 6.
  6. Remove the shifter knob. Can the key be removed from the ignition?
    7. • Yes -- proceed to Step 17.
    • No -- reinstall the shifter knob and proceed to Step 7.
  7. Use the following procedure to adjust the shift control cable:
    8. 7.1. Place the shift control lever in the PARK position.

    Object Number: 1655719 Size: SH
    7.2. Carefully remove the shift cable end (3) from the transmission range select lever (5).
    7.3. Release the shift cable retainer (3) from the shift cable bracket (6).
    7.4. On the underside of the cable adjustment lock protective sleeve (4), release the retaining tab using a flat bladed tool.
    7.5. Slide the cable adjustment lock protective sleeve (4) toward the end of the cable (3) to expose the cable adjustment lock (2).
    7.6. Release the cable adjustment lock (2) to allow freedom of movement of the cable end (3).
    7.7. Secure the shift cable retainer (3) to the shift cable bracket (6).
    7.8. Secure the shift cable end (3) to the transmission range select lever (5).
    7.9. Ensure both the shift control lever and the transmission range select lever (5) are in the PARK position.
    7.10. Depress the cable adjustment lock (2) to secure the adjustment of the shift cable end (3).
    7.11. Slide the cable adjustment lock protective sleeve (4) over the cable adjustment lock (2).
    7.12. Test the shift control lever in all positions for proper gear range selection.
    7.13. Can the key be removed from the ignition?
       • Yes -- proceed to Step 17.
       • No -- proceed to Step 8.
  8. Inspect for poor connections (circuit 307) at the shifter assembly. Were any poor connections found?
    9. • Yes -- proceed to Step 17.
    • No -- proceed to Step 9.
  9. Remove the small square cover from the lower steering column trim cover.
  10. Push the ignition lock cylinder control actuator release button to the left.
  11. Can the key be turned to the OFF position and removed from the ignition?
    12. • Yes -- proceed to Step 17.
    • No -- proceed to Step 12.
  12. Place the gear selector in the PARK position. Disable the SIR and remove the steering wheel and trim covers.
  13. Connect a test lamp between the shift select switch park signal circuit (DK GRN/WHT) of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator and B+ voltage (BRN).
  14. Does the test lamp illuminate?
    15. • Yes -- proceed to Step 17.
    • No -- proceed to Step 15.
  15. Test circuit between C201 (DK GRN/WHT) and C307 (ignition lock cylinder control actuator). Do you have power?
    16. • Yes -- proceed to Step 16.
    • No -- proceed to Step 17.
  16. Test the shift select switch park signal circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator for an open. Did you find an open? Proceed to Step 17.
  17. Contact the Engineer -- Ray Mueller at 248-685-4254. If the engineer is unavailable, leave a message with the following information:
    18.  - Technician name
     - Dealer name and phone number
     - VIN and repair order number

If the engineer does not return the phone call within one hour, proceed with diagnosis and repair according to SI. For vehicles located within 100 miles of Detroit Metro Area, the engineer may need to physically inspect the vehicle prior to repair.

Shifter Cannot Be Moved From PARK Position

  1. Is the vehicle currently exhibiting the condition?
    2. • Yes -- proceed to Step 2.
    • No -- proceed to Step 15.
  2. Note all DTCs -- current and history.
  3. Using the Tech 2®, verify communication with the BCM, ECM and PCM.
  4. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF.
  5. Apply the parking brake and block the wheels.
  6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
  7. Attempt to move the shift lever out of the PARK position. Can the shifter be moved from the PARK position?
    8. • Yes -- proceed to Step 15.
    • No -- proceed to Step 8.
  8. Using the Tech 2® with the ignition ON and the engine OFF, press and release the brake pedal several times while observing the Shift Lock Solenoid Command parameter in the BCM output data list (path: BCM = Data Display = Chassis Data). Does the scan tool display Unlock and Lock status?
    9. • Yes -- proceed with Step 9.
    • No -- proceed to Step 15.
  9. Press and release the brake pedal several times while observing the Stoplamp Pedal Switch parameter in the ECM data list (path: ECM = A/T Data = TCC/Cruise Brake Pedal). Does the scan tool display Applied and Released status of the input parameter?
    10. • Yes -- proceed to Step 10.
    • No -- proceed to Step 15.
  10. With ignition OFF, disconnect the electrical connector of the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid.
  11. Turn the ignition ON (with engine OFF) and press and hold the brake pedal.
  12. Attempt to move the shift lever from the PARK position. Can the shifter be moved from the PARK position?
    13. • Yes -- proceed to Step 15.
    • No -- proceed to Step 13.
  13. Test the control circuit of the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid for a short to battery positive voltage. Was a short found?
    14. • Yes -- proceed to Step 15.
    • No -- proceed to Step 14.
  14. Note any loose/poor connections -- inspect the following areas before proceeding to Step 15:
    15.  - at the harness connector of the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid.
     - at the harness connector of the BCM.
  15. Contact the Engineer -- Ray Mueller at 248-685-4254. If the engineer is unavailable, leave a message with the following information:
    16.  - Technician name
     - Dealer name and phone number
     - VIN and repair order number

If the engineer does not return the phone call within one hour, proceed with diagnosis and repair according to SI. For vehicles located within 100 miles of Detroit Metro Area, the engineer may need to physically inspect the vehicle prior to repair.

Warranty Information

Use the labor operations listed below. Select the appropriate add time based on the repair being performed.

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

K9517 *

Shifter Asm -- Engineering Information

0.4 hr

Add: Diagnosis -- Key Cannot Be Removed From Ignition

0.6 hr

Diagnosis -- Shifter Can't Be Removed From Park

0.5 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.